Anyone racing a Fantom Cross TI?
 

I currently have a 08 Tricross sport that is mainly my commuter, but I bought a spare set of open pro's and put some cross tire's on so I can try racing this year.

After taking off the rack, swapping pedals, changing wheels, readjusting brakes (17mmvs.15mm rims), putting the lights back on, and bottle cages back on after a cross clinic I am thinking about just getting a new bike for CX.

I love my TI MTB I bought from them a few years ago so I'm not afraid of the quality. The wheelbase is 1.8 inches shorter than my Tricross, other than that the 56cm are pretty similar. Just looking for anyone's race experiences, I wont be putting a rack on this one. Sorry last one, Rival vs. Ultegra? I've never ridden SRAM.

Thanks

I don't have any experience with the Fantom cross but I can tell you that I am now a total Sram guy. My first cross bike had rival on it and it took me about a month to decide to swith my other bikes over from shimano.

I actually have my eye on the same bike. Looks like they have 2 choices for Ti cross bikes, an Ultegra version and a SRAM Rival version. I cross compared the bikes and the only other difference is the cranks and tires.

Ultegra version has the more expensive FSA Energy Cross crank and the more expensive Vuelta Team SL wheelset and costs $1999
SRAM Rival version has less expensive FSA Gossamer Cross crank and less expensive Vuelta Pro 32/28 spoke wheelset and costs $1695

So it would seem that Bikes Direct by packaging the SRAM Rival bike with the cheaper crank and wheelset is treating the Rival as a step down from Ultegra.

Myself, I've never ridden the double-click SRAM rival stuff. My last road bike was a Cannondale aluminum with full Ultegra and I really liked the Ultegra but was less than thrilled with the older full aluminum Cannondale frame. That is one of the main reasons I'm considering a Ti bike this time around. I'm skeptical of carbon and no carbon bikes I've seen on the market are anywhere near as versatile in terms of mountain fenders, racks, etc. for the occasional tour. Nor will any carbon frame I've ever seen take larger wheels for the rural and rough roads I find in Central Texas.

But it sounds like folks like the SRAM stuff. I'll probably save the $300 and go that route. I don't see there's really that much difference in thte cranks and the heavier wheelset that comes on the SRAM version is probably more suited to my biking style anyway.

I've raced both Rival and Ultegra and don't really have a preference. I love them both for different reasons; either one is great. I'd probably save the couple hundred bucks and go with Rival because it's cheaper.

Can the owners tell me/us if the Fantom frame is raw ti or clear coated?

After reading many BD threads, I'm almost certain that it is clear coated. The decals are under the clear coat. If it is important, BD is responsive to e-mail.

AS RTDub says -- 99% sure at least the decals are clear coated. They can be removed (but there may be some warranty ramifications if you do).

I plan on ordering one soon, I can check back and let you know for sure.

I've read several times that the decals are clearcoated beneath the paint. Also read that a hair dryer may aid in removal if that is an issue.

Not looking to remove the stickers per say. I am looking for a gravel road grinder, and the nice thing about Ti is that dings can be buffed out. If there is a clear coat that can chip and look uneven then this bike has no more advantage over other painted frames.

At least Ti doesnt Rust.

neither do aluminum or carbon :D